When it comes to roofing, there remains this stereotypical image of a man kneeling on a roof with a toolbelt, a few tiles and maybe even a sore thumb. As you’ll know, however, there’s far more to it than that. Yes, it’s a traditional occupation insofar as it’s been around for as long as people have lived under roofs, but it’s also a trade that relentlessly modernizes. Here are several of the best pieces of tech in the trade right now.
Photography
Yes, this in itself isn’t anything new either, but the way it’s used has been revolutionized over the last few years. It’s not unknown now for large roofing contractors to purchase images taken by aerial photographers and, through this way, establish precise measurements. Also, while even aerial photography isn’t a new concept either, the quality of image available now, even when taken at a distance, is astonishingly accurate.
Similarly, drones can also be deployed, a little closer to the ground, to take precise shots of domestic and commercial roofs, allowing roofing contractors to meticulously plan for more complex projects. Then, there is also the possibility of close-range, computer-aided design software that can quickly plot the measurements of something like a loft, and thermal imaging software that can be used to detect heat loss in a roof or even roof damage from above.
Estimation software
When it first hit the market, estimation software wasn’t immediately embraced by roofing contractors or other contractors in trade companies. It didn’t offer the right level of choice or seem to accurately reflect the level of precision that usually goes into creating an accurate estimate. However, it’s now far more advanced and allows users (that’s you roofers) to use the years of estimation experience that’s in your head to quickly create accurate estimates and quotes for your customers.
In the first instance, this saves you time on your own paperwork and ensures that nothing is lost and certain elements of an estimate are not confused over time. However, the other benefit is that it appeases the needs of the modern, digital-savvy customer, who can see clearly see how an estimate has been created and store it safely on their own computer, phone or tablet or in the cloud.
Eco-friendly materials
People are often surprised when you explain to them that roofing itself is actually a reasonably eco-friendly business all round. Slate and clay tiles are both environmentally friendly materials which can often be reused, and even rubber roofing is made from largely from recycled tyres. That’s without mentioning solar or PV panels at all!
All over the industry, materials are designed to be energy-efficient for both the property owners and the environment – from cool roofs designed to keep the heat out of a building, to green roofs that provide insulation and absorb rainwater.
Having environmentally friendly materials in your roofing repertoire is also attractive to potential new customers. When they search for ‘recommended roofers near me’ and see that one contractor offers an eco-friendly option, having these exciting, progressive materials close at hand could make all the difference to them.
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